Anchorage (Alaska), Aug 15 (NationPress) - US President Donald Trump welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, for a crucial summit aimed at negotiating a cease-fire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Trump exited Air Force One and met Putin on the tarmac, where they exchanged friendly greetings.

The White House announced that Trump will be accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during the discussions.

The lunch following the meeting will also include Rubio, Witkoff, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

This pivotal summit could shape the future of the Ukraine war and the dynamics of US-Russia relations.

Trump aims to facilitate a comprehensive peace agreement, warning of “very severe consequences” for Russia should it fail to de-escalate, while acknowledging a 25% chance of the talks failing. Putin might look to solidify Russia's territorial claims, thwart Ukraine's NATO aspirations, and draw Ukraine back into Moscow's sphere.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders have notably been excluded from the discussions, raising concerns about decisions being made without their input.

Key subjects may involve Ukrainian territorial concessions, US security assurances outside NATO, and broader peace agreements.

NATO's Alexus Grynkewich is present in Alaska to advise Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The summit occurs at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, located a mere three miles from Russia, underscoring US security, Cold War history, and Trump’s pragmatic diplomatic approach.

Notably absent from the talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his European allies are concerned that Trump might compromise Ukraine by effectively freezing the conflict with Russia and informally recognizing Russian control over a significant portion of Ukraine.

As he boarded Air Force One, Trump sought to reassure those concerns, stating that he would allow Ukraine to determine any potential territorial exchanges.

“I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine; I’m here to bring them to the table,” he declared.

When asked what would constitute a successful meeting, he responded: “I want to see a ceasefire swiftly... I won’t be satisfied if it doesn’t happen today... I want the killing to cease.”

The Russian delegation accompanying Putin during the talks with the US team includes foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, confirmed Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to CNN.

Trump hopes that achieving a truce in this prolonged war will bring stability to the region and enhance his reputation as a global peacemaker, potentially worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize.

For Putin, the summit serves as a significant victory, demonstrating that years of Western efforts to isolate Russia have failed, allowing Moscow to reclaim its position in global diplomacy.

Trump expressed mutual respect towards Putin, stating, “He is a smart guy with a long history in this arena, and I have my experience as well... We get along, and there’s mutual respect on both sides.” He also welcomed Putin’s decision to include business representatives in Alaska.

“However, no business will take place until we resolve the war,” he reiterated, again warning of “economically severe” repercussions for Russia if the summit does not yield positive results.